Parents and educators should be aware of the potential risks of game addiction

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 147 views

Factors Related to the Indonesian Version of the Game Addiction Scale (GAS) on Online Game Players in the Internet Stall of Tanjung Sari Village, Medan City

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online games has increased significantly among teenagers, leading to concerns about the potential risks of game addiction. Game addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, is a condition characterized by excessive and compulsive use of online games, which can negatively impact an individual's physical and mental health, social relationships, and academic or work performance. The Indonesian version of the Game Addiction Scale (GAS) is a widely used tool to assess the severity of game addiction in individuals. However, there is a need to understand the factors that contribute to game addiction in online game players in Indonesia.

Background

Online games have become an integral part of modern entertainment, providing a platform for social interaction, competition, and escapism. However, excessive gaming can lead to negative consequences, such as social isolation, decreased physical activity, and decreased academic or work performance. In Indonesia, online gaming has become increasingly popular, with many teenagers spending hours playing games in internet stalls, also known as "warnet" or "game center." These internet stalls provide a convenient and affordable way for teenagers to access online games, but they also pose a risk of game addiction.

Research Methodology

This study aimed to investigate the factors related to the Indonesian version of the Game Addiction Scale (GAS) on online game players in the internet stall of Tanjung Sari Village, Medan City. A total of 200 online game players aged 12 to 18 years were recruited for this study. The participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire that included several variables, such as the length of education, the duration of sleep, the length of playing games, the number of playmates, the cost of the game, the membership of the game group, and the income of the parents.

The data obtained through the questionnaire were then analyzed using linear regression. This analysis aimed to determine the independent relationship between the variables that had been reviewed with the gas score of the Indonesian version. The results of this study provide a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to game addiction, which can be useful for further research and prevention strategies.

Research Results

The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between several factors and gas scores. First, the age factor has a p value <0.001 with the correlation coefficient r = -0.39, shows that the older the player's age, the lower the tendency to experience game addiction. Furthermore, the duration of sleep also shows a significant relationship with a gas score; With p <0.001 and r = -0.32, it indicates that lack of sleep is associated with an increase in game addiction.

The duration of playing online games per week turns out to have a positive influence, with the value of p <0.001 and r = 0.53, which shows that the longer the play time, the higher the risk of addiction. Likewise, the number of friends who play online games, which produces p value <0.001 and r = 0.50, indicates that the number of playmates can strengthen the tendency to continue to play.

Meanwhile, membership in online game groups and parents' income also shows a significant relationship. With p <0.001 on both variables, these factors can be other indicators for the development of programs that aim to reduce game addiction among teenagers.

Conclusion and Implications

The conclusion of this study confirms that there is a significant relationship between age, sleep duration, duration of playing online games, number of playmates, membership of online game groups, and parents' income with gas scores. This shows the need for special attention to these factors, especially in the context of children's education and care.

With the increasing popularity of online games among teenagers, it is essential for parents and educators to realize the potential impact of game addiction and take preventive steps to maintain a balance between play time and other activities. This research is expected to be a reference for more effective intervention to overcome the problem of game addiction among teenagers.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Parents and educators should be aware of the potential risks of game addiction and take preventive steps to maintain a balance between play time and other activities.
Children and teenagers should be educated about the risks of game addiction and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between play time and other activities.
Programs and interventions should be developed to reduce game addiction among teenagers, such as counseling, education, and support groups.
Parents' income and membership in online game groups should be considered as indicators for the development of programs to reduce game addiction among teenagers.

By implementing these recommendations, we can reduce the risk of game addiction among teenagers and promote a healthy balance between play time and other activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Game Addiction and the Indonesian Version of the Game Addiction Scale (GAS)

Q: What is game addiction?

A: Game addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, is a condition characterized by excessive and compulsive use of online games, which can negatively impact an individual's physical and mental health, social relationships, and academic or work performance.

Q: What is the Indonesian version of the Game Addiction Scale (GAS)?

A: The Indonesian version of the Game Addiction Scale (GAS) is a widely used tool to assess the severity of game addiction in individuals. It is a self-report questionnaire that measures the frequency and intensity of gaming behavior, as well as the negative consequences of gaming.

Q: What are the factors that contribute to game addiction?

A: The factors that contribute to game addiction include age, sleep duration, duration of playing online games, number of playmates, membership of online game groups, and parents' income. These factors can increase the risk of game addiction among teenagers.

Q: What are the symptoms of game addiction?

A: The symptoms of game addiction include:

Spending increasing amounts of time playing games
Neglecting responsibilities, such as school or work, to play games
Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to play games
Continuing to play games despite negative consequences, such as social isolation or decreased academic performance
Lying to others about the amount of time spent playing games

Q: How can parents and educators prevent game addiction?

A: Parents and educators can prevent game addiction by:

Monitoring children's gaming behavior and setting limits on gaming time
Encouraging children to engage in other activities, such as sports or hobbies
Educating children about the risks of game addiction and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between play time and other activities
Providing support and resources for children who are struggling with game addiction

Q: What are the consequences of game addiction?

A: The consequences of game addiction can include:

Social isolation and decreased social skills
Decreased academic or work performance
Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Decreased physical health, including obesity and sleep disorders
Decreased mental health, including decreased self-esteem and self-confidence

Q: How can game addiction be treated?

A: Game addiction can be treated through a combination of counseling, education, and support groups. Treatment may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns and behaviors
Family therapy to address family dynamics and relationships
Support groups to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive support
Education and resources to help individuals understand the risks of game addiction and develop healthy gaming habits.

Q: What is the role of parents' income in game addiction?

A: Parents' income can play a role in game addiction by providing access to online games and gaming equipment. However, it is not the sole cause of game addiction. Other factors, such as age, sleep duration, and duration of playing online games, can also contribute to game addiction.

Q: What is the role of membership in online game groups in game addiction?

A: Membership in online game groups can contribute to game addiction by providing a sense of community and social connection. However, it can also lead to increased gaming time and decreased social skills.

Q: What is the importance of sleep duration in game addiction?

A: Sleep duration is an important factor in game addiction because it can affect an individual's ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors. Lack of sleep can lead to increased gaming time and decreased social skills.

Q: What is the importance of age in game addiction?

A: Age is an important factor in game addiction because it can affect an individual's level of maturity and ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors. Older individuals may be less likely to experience game addiction due to their increased level of maturity and life experience.